7 research opportunities you shouldn't miss in medical college

Medical school is more than just passing exams and mastering clinical rotations—it's also the ideal time to build a strong academic and research profile. Research experience not only enhances your understanding of medicine but also adds weight to residency applications, scholarships, and future fellowships.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Whether you're aiming for a competitive postgraduate seat or considering a non-clinical career in academia or public health, research experience can be a game-changer.
Here are seven such research opportunities every medical student should seriously consider.
ICMR-STS (Short Term Studentship)
The Indian Council of Medical Research offers the STS program to undergraduate medical students interested in biomedical research. Conducted annually, this two-month summer project allows you to work under the guidance of a faculty mentor on a topic of your choice.
If your proposal and final report are accepted, you'll also receive a stipend. ICMR-STS is highly respected and widely recognized across India, making it one of the best ways to begin your research journey.
Institutional Research Projects and Mentorships
Most medical colleges have active research cells or ethics committees that support undergraduate research. These internal programs can be incredibly valuable—whether it's participating in faculty-led projects, helping with data collection in clinical studies, or initiating your own research with institutional support.
If your college encourages research presentations or has tie-ups with journals, you might even get a chance to publish or present your findings at conferences.
International Electives and Exchange Programs
Global exposure can significantly broaden your research perspective. Programs like IFMSA exchanges or elective observerships in the US, UK, or Australia allow you to be part of ongoing research abroad. These experiences not only give insight into international healthcare systems but also provide a chance to work on globally relevant research questions, often resulting in certifications or research publications.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Summer Internships at Premier Institutes (like AIIMS, NIMHANS, PGI)
Institutes such as AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bengaluru offer summer internship programs where students can work alongside experts on cutting-edge medical research. These internships are typically competitive, but they provide hands-on experience in both laboratory and clinical research environments. Some programs may also include training workshops and seminars that can add significantly to your academic development.
National and State-Level Conferences
Participating in medical conferences is a great way to gain exposure and network with professionals. Undergraduate conferences such as MEDICON, as well as annual meets organized by various specialty associations, provide platforms to present your work. Presenting a paper or poster at these events not only builds confidence but also enhances your academic CV.
Research with NGOs and Public Health Bodies
For those interested in epidemiology, public health, or social medicine, research projects with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, or national NGOs working in healthcare can be both meaningful and insightful.
These projects often focus on real-world challenges such as vaccine outreach, disease surveillance, or maternal health—and can offer valuable field experience in addition to academic credit.
Student Research Societies and Online Research Platforms
Joining student-led research societies or online medical research platforms can open doors to collaborative projects. These communities often host online courses, competitions, and mentorship programs. Being part of such initiatives allows you to network with like-minded peers, get feedback on your research ideas, and even find long-distance mentors or co-authors.
Getting involved in research during medical college may feel intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be. Start small—assist a senior, join a faculty-led study, or attend a research workshop. Over time, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to lead your own projects. Most importantly, you'll learn to ask questions, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to the future of medicine.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

India Today

2 hours ago

• India Today

High on enamel spirits Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi

The Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences combines top-tier training, next-gen research and real-world outreach to shape some of the finest dental professionals in India (Photo: Chandradeep Kumar) No. 1: MAULANA AZAD INSTITUTE OF DENTAL SCIENCES 5 REASONS WHY IT IS THE BEST Whether it is public health dentistry, oral radiology, oral microbiology or preventive dentistry, the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS)—located in the heart of Central Delhi—has dedicated faculty across all major and emerging fields of dentistry. Declared a 'Centre of Excellence' by the Delhi government, MAIDS boasts best-in-class infrastructure. From dental chairs to digital units, every facility is state-of-the-art and fully operational. Its advanced tissue bank ranks among the best in India, producing graft materials to global standards. With just 50 BDS seats, the institute attracts top-ranking students through both national and state quotas. A strong culture of discipline, clinical precision and academic excellence defines the student community. MAIDS is also a hub for innovation. It is the only dental college in North India to host a DST- and ICMR-funded research and dental technology innovation hub, offering students hands-on access to cutting-edge projects with full institutional support. The institute's reach extends beyond its campus. Through six mobile dental vans under the National Health Mission, students provide care in rural and underserved areas, gaining invaluable real-world experience.

Business Standard

3 hours ago

• Business Standard

ICMR-NIIH launches India's first national rare blood donor registry

In a first, the National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in Mumbai, operating under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has launched a national registry for rare blood donors. This initiative aims to help patients with uncommon blood types — especially those with conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease — who often need repeated blood transfusions. Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director of the ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur, told PTI that the ICMR-NIIH is currently in discussions with the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) to link this rare donor registry with *e-Raktakosh*, the government's existing blood availability portal. This integration will make it easier for people with rare blood groups to locate matching donors and blood banks, while also helping blood banks manage their donor records and supplies more efficiently. High demand for blood in India According to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India has over 4,000 licensed blood banks for its population of more than 142 crore. Dr Madkaikar pointed out that India has a significant need for blood transfusions due to a higher occurrence of blood disorders and pregnancy-related complications. 'Thalassemia itself contributes to 100,000 to 150,000 patients who require recurrent transfusions,' she said. She also highlighted the large-scale need for blood due to accidents and medical procedures. 'With more than 1,200 road accidents occurring every day in India, and with every year 60 million surgeries, 240 million major operations, 331 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy complications, a serious call for blood transfusion is recognised,' she added. Why minor blood group antigens matter? Most blood banks in India only match ABO and RhD antigens when issuing red blood cell components. But the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has recognised over 360 antigens across 47 blood group systems. These lesser-known antigens are not routinely tested in India, Dr Madkaikar said. 'As a result, a mismatch of minor antigens between donor and patient blood group (BG) profiles can lead to red cell alloimmunisation (1–3 per cent in the general population, 8–18 per cent in thalassaemic patients). About 25 per cent of all immunised patients have been reported to receive unsatisfactory transfusion support due to presence of multiple antibodies or antibodies to high frequency antigens (HFA),' she explained. What counts as a rare blood group? Rare blood groups are typically those that lack high frequency antigens (seen in 1 in 1,000 people or less), are negative for common antigen combinations, or show a null phenotype. 'Meeting a demand for rare blood supply is challenging and time consuming for such patients. The need of a patient for rare blood can be the start of a series of events that may extend beyond the local blood centre and become a national or even an international search,' Dr Madkaikar said. To address this, a well-maintained database of rare and extensively typed blood donors is essential. Dr Madkaikar noted that 27 countries already have national rare donor registries. Until recently, India was not one of them. Earlier in 2019, ICMR-NIIH received approval for a Centre of Excellence project aimed at screening 4,000 regular 'O' group blood donors from four regions of India. This was done using advanced molecular techniques in partnership with major hospitals — KEM Hospital in Mumbai, PGIMER Chandigarh, MCH Kolkata, and JIPMER Puducherry. 'More than 600 donors negative for combination of antigens were identified along with 250 very rare blood group donors. The registry also includes 170 Bombay blood group donors, which is the commonly required rare blood type in India (approx 120–150 units/year). To access this inventory (ICMR-Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)), a web-based portal has been developed for systematic requisition and provision of blood to patients on time,' Dr Madkaikar said. She added, 'There is a plan to integrate this rare donor registry with e-Raktakosh of DGHS so that all the blood banks can contribute their rare donors and help in expansion of the registry. Last month we held a meeting with the DGHS.' India's first diabetes biobank In another landmark step last year, ICMR had established the country's first diabetes biobank in Chennai, in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). This facility collects, processes, and stores biological samples to support scientific research into diabetes and related disorders. The biobank aims to enhance understanding of the Indian forms of diabetes and contributes to ongoing studies, with appropriate permissions from ICMR.

The Print

4 hours ago

• The Print

ICMR prepares India's first national rare blood donor registry

The integration will help people with rare blood groups easily trace blood banks and procure blood. It will also assist the blood banks manage their stock and donors through a centralised system. The ICMR-NIIH is now in talks with the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) so that the rare donor registry portal can be integrated with e-Raktakosh, a platform which currently provides information about blood availability, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director of ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur said. New Delhi, Jun 21 (PTI) The National Institute of Immunohaematology in Mumbai under the India Council of Medical Research has for the first time created a national 'rare blood donor registry' for patients with rare and uncommon blood types who need frequent transfusion especially in conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease. India, with a population of more than 142 crore, has over 4,000 licensed blood banks, according to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). India relies heavily on transfusions due to a higher prevalence of blood diseases and complications during pregnancy, Dr Madkaikar said. 'Thalassemia itself contributes to 1 to 1.5 lakh patients who require recurrent transfusions,' she said. Additionally, with more than 1,200 road accidents occurring every day in India, and with every year 60 million surgeries, 240 million major operations, 331 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy complications, a serious call for blood transfusion is recognised, she said. In majority of blood banks in India, only ABO and RhD are antigens matched prior to cross-matching for issuing of red blood cell components. However, the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has recognised more than 360 antigens in 47 blood group systems. Blood banks do not perform testing of these minor blood group antigens routinely, explained Dr Madkaikar. 'As a result, a mismatch of minor antigens between donor and patient blood group (BG) profiles can lead to red cell alloimmunization (1-3 per cent in the general population, 8-18 per cent in thalassaemic patients). About 25 per cent of all immunized patients have been reported to receive unsatisfactory transfusion support due to presence of multiple antibodies or antibodies to high frequency antigens (HFA),' she said. Rare blood groups are those which lack HFA (1:1000 or less), or are negative for a combination of common antigens, or have a null phenotype. 'Meeting a demand for rare blood supply is challenging and time consuming for such patients. The need of a patient for rare blood can be the start of a series of events that may extend beyond the local blood centre and become a national or even an international search,' Dr Madkaikar said. To overcome this challenge, an inventory of extensively typed blood donors and rare blood type donors is required, she said. For this, internationally 27 countries have operational national rare donor registry programmes. India, however, is not a contributor country, she said. In 2019, however, ICMR-NIIH was granted Centre of Excellence project under the aegis of ICMR, where an initiative was taken to screen 4,000 'O' group regular blood donors for all clinically important antigens using high throughput molecular assays, from four different regions of India in collaboration with the big blood banks from KEM Hospital Mumbai, PGIMER Chandigarh, MCH Kolkatta and JIPMER Puducherry. 'More than 600 donors negative for combination of antigens were identified along with 250 very rare blood group donors. The registry also includes 170 Bombay blood group donors, which is the commonly required rare blood type in India (approx 120-150 units/year). To access this inventory (ICMR-Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)), a web-based portal has been developed for systematic requisition and provision of blood to patients on time,' Dr Madkaikar said. 'There is a plan to integrate this rare donor registry with e-Raktakosh of DGHS so that all the blood banks can contribute their rare donors and help in expansion of the registry. Last month we held a meeting with the DGHS,' she said. PTI PLB ZMN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.